Mt. Hagen Show PNG

Mount Hagen is third largest city in Papua New Guinea, with a population of 46,250. It is the capital of theWestern Highlands Province and is located in the large fertileWahgi Valley in central mainland Papua New Guinea, at an elevation of 1,677 m (5,502 ft).
The city is named after the old eroded volcano Mount Hagen, located about 24 kilometres (15 mi) to the northwest. The volcano was named after the German colonial officer Curt von Hagen.

Each year, Mount Hagen hosts the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, one of the largest cultural events in Papua New Guinea. Various regional, provincial, even national tribal dance groups gather to celebrate their cultural heritage in the form of songs and dances. It is also one of the biggest tourist attractions of the country. Its near the Baiyer District which hosts the biggest collection of birds and wildlife in Papua New Guinea, the Baiyer River Bird Sanctuary. Although locals do not recommend visiting the sanctuary as the road through the Baiyer District is prone to many highway robberies.

Traditional culture and beliefs remain strong in Mount Hagen and its surrounds. In 2009, and again 2013, local women were reportedly burned alive after being accused of sorcery. However, such acts are an engrained part of Papua New Guinean culture and many witch burnings happen in surrounding villages.